Think of the last time you pulled into the left lane to pass a big truck. Did you know that was a teachable moment? Rolf Gates suggests as much in his Speakeasy from Wanderlust Colorado last year.
« Your life follows your intention, the way a car follows your gaze. There is that much correlation, » Gates said. « It’s like passing trucks on the road — you’re facing mortality! But in that moment, you just stay with your drishti. What I suggest you don’t do is bring your gaze to the truck. »
In exploring his thesis, You Hit What You Aim At, Rolf describes how this principle becomes palpable on a surfboard when you’re moving at high speeds, and the board seems to move like a magnet to where you place your eyes. It is a process of directing your energy and attention. Doing so — mindfully — means that you are conscious of what you are directing your attention toward. Focus works both ways, though, as the old adage describes, « Worrying is like praying for something you don’t want. »
He continues to explain how:
- To deviate from what you’ve been « taught » to aim at
- To develop your own inner moral compass
- The first 4 limbs of yoga are akin to « cleaning house »
- The last 4 limbs of yoga are essentially meditation
Don’t have enough time to watch the full video? All you need is the audio. Just plug in your headphones and get to listening.